Missions & the Columbian Exchange

1. Missions & the Columbian Exchange Chapter 2 Section 3 (Pt II)

2. Catholic Missions • The Spanish King did not want the Native pop. destroyed, they wanted control the Natives by making them: • Tax-paying subjects • Catholic converts • To accomplish this, the Spanish sent Catholic missionaries all over New Spain • In Mexico & CA, the church built a series of missions • These settlements included: • Church • Pueblo – Farming village • Presidio – Fort/Barracks • The focus of these missions were twofold: • 1. Convert Natives – this also involved teaching them to read & write • 2. Food Production – Natives were used to do this work • Many modern day cities in Mexico & the SW U.S. started as missions

3. Test Question • What was the main goal of Spanish missions in America? • To teach Natives how to read & write • To convert Natives to Christianity & increase Spanish control • To treat Natives as equals & give them land to farm • None of the Above

4. Bartolome De Las Casas Native American slavery is WRONG, but hmm…what about Africans???

5. Bartolome de Las Casas • Bartolome de las Casas, a Catholic priest, worked to end the mistreatment of Natives • Ironically, at one time he had enslaved Natives • He took part in the conquest of Cuba in 1512 • In return for his service, he was given a hacienda/encomienda • Seeing slavery firsthand caused BdlC to reevaluate • He decided that one couldn’t serve God & enslave Natives • For the next 50 years, he attempted to convince the King to pass a law banning Native enslavement • The King finally agreed in 1542, but the law was ignored & eventually reversed • One major legacy of BdlC’s fight was his suggestion on how to replace the Native workforce • He proposed that Africans be brought in b/c: • A slave system already existed in Africa • Africans had been exposed to Europeans & were immune to their diseases

6. The Columbian Exchange • After Columbus’ arrival plants, animals, & diseases were introduced to both the Eastern & Western Hemispheres for the first time • The major negative effect of this exchange was disease • Diseases, the most negative effect, wiped out many Native groups • Smallpox, measles, and the Flu killed an estimated: • 20 million in Mexico alone • 90 – 95% of the pops. of Central America & Peru • Not all of the effects of the Columbian Exchange were negative • European livestock & crops were introduced to America: • Cattle, Sheep, Pigs, & Horses added new dietary & transportation advantages • European grains & produce diversified diets as well • American products also greatly benefited Europe • Potatoes & corn became staple crops • Potatoes, especially, led to a rapid rise in Europe’s pop.

7. Test Question • Which of the following was NOT part of the Columbian Exchange? • Plants • Animals • Slaves • Diseases